SuperSprint Divisions, Groups & Start Times

The 2019 Life Time Tri Series will host nearly 25,000 participants, many of whom have varying athletic abilities, interest levels and goals when it comes to triathlon.

In the spirit of providing a customized race experience, athletes now have the ability to decide how competitive they wish to be, who they start alongside, and/or when they start their respective journey.

The table on the right indicates the various start groups available to participants, their competitive nature, and a preliminary start time for each. New start group offerings (denoted in red) allow like-minded or less-familiar athletes to rack together in Transition, to start together, and (theoretically) to finish at approximately the same time.

Individuals must select from one of these divisions/start groups within the registration process. Full descriptions for each group are included below.

Don’t Delay!
When you’ve made your choice, click the “Register” button above. As special groups reach capacity, they will be removed from the list of available options. Please note: The default classification for all SuperSprint participants is the Competitive (10-year) Age Group.

Competitive Divisions

Participants within these divisions are primarily focused on speed, each of whom are eligible for competitive awards within their specific group. Competitive categories include:

Age GroupsAll individuals are automatically placed in this category, unless choosing a different division during the registration process. Age groups are subdivided by gender and 10-year age increments (e.g. 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, etc.). It is important to note that Age Groups are assigned based on athlete age as of December 31 of race year (thus no changes during the calendar year).

ParatriathletesAthletes with physical disabilities. Paratriathletes are subdivided by gender, and can be classified by a variety of standards. Typically, Life Time Tri classifies Paratriathletes into these categories:

Ambulatory

Visually Impaired

Wheelchair

Divvy WaveIn this unique competition, 100 participating athletes will receive use of Chicago’s famous Divvy bikes for the 6.2 mile (10K) SuperSprint bike course. Click here to learn more about this in-demand program.

Relay TeamsParticipants have the option to enter varying distances as a relay team, consisting of 2–3 individuals. Teams may elect which person will complete each specific discipline. Team members share a single timing chip, which is passed from one team member to another in transition. While not all relay teams are competitive by nature, all teams are eligible for competitive awards. Relay teams are subdivided into these groups:

Female

Male

Co-Ed (mixed gender teams)

Recreational Divisions

Participants in these divisions are primarily focused on the experience at hand, either racking together in Transition or starting alongside others not typically associated with their peer group. Recreational divisions are not eligible for competitive awards, and capacities may be limited at specific events. Recreational categories include:

First TimersThis new, non-competitive division allows those participating in their first outdoor triathlon to start alongside fellow first-timers, free of intimidation from others. First-Timers will be grouped together in Transition, with periodic support from event staff, coaches and officials. This group will start towards the end of their respective distances.

Friends & FamilyThis new, non-competitive division provides an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy the day together. Note: To help ensure athletes are both racked (in Transition) and start within proximity of peers, we encourage friends/family to register at the same time, as the start order is chronological by registration timestamp. Friends & Family participants will receive periodic support from event staff, coaches and officials. The Friends and Family group will start toward the end of their respective distances.